The Ottawa Charge is receiving unexpected offensive contributions from its blue line in the PWHL postseason, a trend that appears intentional. Through two games of the best-of-five semifinal against the Boston Fleet, defenders have been involved in all four of Ottawa's goals, combining for seven shots on net. Twice, a defender scored directly, including Ronja Savolainen's first-period goal in Game 2 on Saturday.
Defensive Scoring Blueprint
The series is tied 1-1 after Ottawa's 3-1 win in Game 2. The Charge's strategy has been clear: get high shot volume with traffic in front of Boston's star goaltender Aerin Frankel to obscure her vision. In Game 1, defender Jocelyne Larocque tipped a shot from Rory Guilday past Frankel on the power play. In Game 2, Savolainen fired a high shot through traffic for the opening goal.
"I think it's just an approach we've been going for just to get past Frankel," said Charge forward Taylor House after Game 2. "That net-front presence, getting (Larocque) in there last game and (Brooke) McQuigge in there this game, that's something we're really focusing on."
Larocque Leading the Charge
Veteran defender Jocelyne Larocque has been pivotal, contributing on both ends. She leads the team in postseason scoring with three points and logs a team-high 24 minutes per game. Her ability to box out opponents and jump into offensive plays has been a key factor. "Her confidence is catching up to her abilities," said head coach Carla MacLeod.
Rory Guilday, standing 5-foot-11, is also emerging physically and offensively, recording assists in both games. The Charge's blue-line production may prove decisive as the series progresses, given the challenge of solving Frankel.
